Method and apparatus for managing hotel transactions from a gaming device

ABSTRACT

A customer may be permitted to use a gaming device such as a slot machine to manage various transactions related to a hotel, such as checking in and/or checking out of the customer&#39;s room at the hotel. A customer may receive a benefit in exchange for using a gaming device for a transaction.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of priority of U.S.Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 60/302,063, filed Jun. 29,2001, the content of which is hereby incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates generally to the gaming andhospitality industries, and more specifically to hotel transactionfunctions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The hotel industry provides rooms to millions of travelers eachyear. Travelers may encounter delays in checking in and/or checking outof a hotel. When there are more customers desiring to check in or checkout than employees available to assist them, a waiting line for check-inor check-out is likely. Check-in delays may be particularly frustratingfor visitors to casino resort hotels, who are often anxious to begintheir gaming experience.

[0004] One method that a resort casino has used to attempt to decreaselong check-in lines has been to use a portable hand-held check-indevice. Such a device, referred to as the EXPRESS CHECK-IN developed byINTER-AMERICAN DATA/LODGING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS (IAD/LMS), enables hotelemployees to check-in guests quickly and to give the guests roomassignments based on swiping a credit card. The device uses hand-heldwireless technology, and communicates in real-time over the knownSPECTRUM24 wireless infrastructure to an AS/400-based propertymanagement system. Information concerning this device may be availableathttp://www.symbol.com/news/pressreleases/press_releases_wirelesslans_(—)8.html.

[0005] One disadvantage of this device is that the system can only beoperated by a hotel employee. As with conventional check-in procedures,the number of incoming or outgoing customers may exceed the number ofemployees equipped with the device. Thus, waiting lines are not likelyto be eliminated in all cases.

[0006] It has also been proposed, in U.S. Pat. No. 6,101,477, that ahotel guest perform check-in without assistance from hotel employees byusing a kiosk that is operated with smartcards carried by the hotelguests. Among the disadvantages of this proposal are the costs ofproviding and maintaining the kiosk.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The present invention is described with reference to theaccompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicateidentical or functionally similar elements.

[0008]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention;

[0009]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of aserver;

[0010]FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of agaming device;

[0011]FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of awireless terminal;

[0012]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a roomlock mechanism;

[0013]FIG. 6 is a tabular representation of an embodiment of a customerdatabase;

[0014]FIG. 7 is a tabular representation of an embodiment of a roomdatabase;

[0015]FIG. 8 is a tabular representation of an embodiment of an offerdatabase;

[0016]FIG. 9 is a tabular representation of an embodiment of areservation database;

[0017]FIGS. 10A and 10B together are a flow chart of an exemplaryprocess according to one or more embodiments;

[0018]FIG. 11 is a sample of a preferences page in accordance with oneor more embodiments; and

[0019]FIG. 12 is a flow chart of an exemplary process according to oneor more embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0020] According to various embodiments of the invention, a method forhandling a hotel transaction, such as a check-in process or a check-outprocess, includes conducting the hotel transaction via a gaming device.According to other embodiments of the invention, a method is providedfor communicating information with a person via a gaming device, such asreservation information, room information, guest preference information,message information, and/or offer information.

[0021] Various embodiments of the invention provide a method forhandling a hotel transaction, including receiving a player identifier ata gaming device and assigning a hotel room to the player identified bythe player identifier. Some embodiments provide a method including usingthe gaming device to communicate to the player information regarding theassigning of a hotel room (e.g., the number of the assigned hotel roommay be displayed to the player by a slot machine).

[0022] In some embodiments of the invention, a method for handling ahotel transaction includes receiving a player identifier at a gamingdevice, and accessing a hotel reservation database on the basis of thereceived player identifier.

[0023] In one or more embodiments of the invention, a method forhandling a hotel transaction includes receiving a player identifier at agaming device and associating the received player identifier with a roomidentifier.

[0024] Some embodiments of the invention include presenting to a playeridentified by a player identifier at least one of a reservationconfirmation page and a hotel room preferences page.

[0025] In some embodiments of the invention, a method for handling ahotel transaction includes receiving a player identifier at a gamingdevice, and receiving at the gaming device an indication that the playeridentified by the player identifier wishes to check out of a hotel room.

[0026] One or more embodiments of the invention provide for a methodincluding offering and/or providing a benefit to a player in exchangefor the player using a gaming device for all or a portion of a check-inprocess, and/or a check-out process.

[0027] Some embodiments of the invention provide for a method includingoffering and/or providing a benefit to a player in exchange for theplayer using a gaming device to obtain and/or provide information (e.g.,hotel reservation information, restaurant reservation information,messages, or theater information) in lieu of receiving/providing theinformation from/to a hotel representative.

[0028] Systems, apparatus and computer program products are provided forcarrying out the above-described embodiments and numerous otherembodiments of the present invention. Each computer program productdescribed herein may be carried by a medium readable by a computer(e.g., a carrier wave signal, a floppy disk, a hard drive, a randomaccess memory, etc.).

[0029] Applicants have recognized that many different types of hotelguests, customers and players would find it appealing to use a gamingdevice for at least part of a check-in or check-out process. Applicantshave also recognized that many different types of parties would find itappealing to permit guests and players to use a gaming device for atleast part of a check-in or check-out process. With the methods andapparatus of the present invention, gaming devices such as slot machinesand/or video poker machines may be used to supplement a casino hotel'sfacilities for checking in and/or checking out hotel guests.Consequently, waiting lines for checking in and/or checking out may bereduced or eliminated, thereby providing more free time for hotel gueststo engage in gaming activities. As a result, gaming profits of thecasino hotel may be increased.

[0030] Also, by allowing check-in and/or check-out via a gaming machine,hotel guests may be encouraged to engage in gaming activity at thegaming machine immediately upon arriving at the casino hotel, and/orprior to departing from the casino hotel. Again, the hotel guest's timespent in gaming activity may be increased, thereby increasing gamingprofits of the casino hotel.

[0031] Applicants have also recognized that many different types ofparties would find it appealing to use a gaming device for various typesof hotel and information transactions. Gaming devices may be used toexchange communications with hotel guests, for example, concerning otheraspects of their hotel stay in addition to check-in and/or check-out.Once more, the guests' time spent in gaming activity at the gamingdevices may thereby be increased. Furthermore, promotional offers (e.g.,from the hotel, from a third party) and other incentives may becommunicated through and/or implemented by gaming devices, so that thesatisfaction of guests, players, and other customers or potentialcustomers with the casino hotel may be enhanced, and repeat business maybe promoted.

[0032] Moreover, providing information exchange with the hotel guest viagaming devices, implementing functions related to the hotel reservationsystem via gaming devices, and presenting offers to customers via gamingdevices all may lead customers to interact with gaming devices morefrequently, to continue interacting with gaming devices for longerperiods of time, or even to interact with gaming devices when they wouldnot otherwise be inclined to do so. In some cases, guests whocustomarily do not engage in gaming activity may be encouraged, throughinteraction with a gaming device for non-gaming purposes, to engage ingaming activity also. The flexibility and convenience provided bydevices offering access to various aspects of the casino experience,both gaming and non-gaming (e.g., hotel reservation information,restaurant reservation information, theater information, or a messagecenter), may encourage guests and players to seek out such gamingdevices and to patronize the hotels that offer them.

[0033] With these and other advantages and features of the inventionthat will become hereinafter apparent, the nature of the invention maybe more clearly understood by reference to the following detaileddescription of the invention, to the appended claims and to the severaldrawings attached herein.

[0034] Novel methods, apparatus, systems and computer program productsare provided that efficiently handle check-in and check-out transactionsat a casino hotel. For example, in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention, a player may arrive at a casino andobserve a line at the hotel registration counter. The player may thenapproach one of a bank of slot machines located near the hotelregistration counter. The slot machine is in data communication with acasino server. The player enters his player tracking card into the slotmachine and is presented with a customized welcome message on the slotmachine's video display. The slot machine may permit the player toindicate that the player desires to check in to the hotel. In responseto such an indication, the casino server accesses a reservation databaseand locates the player's reservation. Alternatively, searching of thedatabase for a reservation may occur automatically upon the playerentering his player tracking card into the slot machine.

[0035] The slot machine presents a registration screen to the player onits video display. The slot machine may prompt the player to enterpersonal information and preferences. For example, the slot machine mayprompt the player to confirm that the displayed hotel reservationinformation is correct and to choose from a list of personal preferencesfor perks related to the desired hotel room.

[0036] The slot machine may then prompt the player to enter his creditcard into a credit card reader that is part of the slot machine.Alternatively, the casino server may automatically retrieve a previouslystored credit card number from a database that is indexed by a playeridentifier code read by the slot machine from the player tracking card.The slot machine may then display a message to the player indicatingthat the player tracking card may be used as a hotel room key. Inaddition, the slot machine may display to the player the number of aroom that has been assigned to the player.

[0037] The slot machine may include a printer that is used to print outfor the player information such as a map of the hotel, directions to theplayer's room and/or a list of activities and shops within the casinohotel complex. The slot machine may also display a message to the playerindicating that the player is being rewarded for using the slot machineto check in. The reward may be, for example, gaming credits that areusable for wagering at that slot machine.

[0038] At the end of the player's stay at the casino hotel, the playermay also use a slot machine to handle a check-out transaction. To do so,the player enters his player tracking card into the slot machine andselects a check-out option. The casino server then accesses datarelating to the player's room account (e.g., in a reservation or roomdatabase) and causes the slot machine to display to the player astatement of the player's account. The player can then approve thestatement and receive a printed version of the statement from theprinter of the slot machine. From the point of view of the player,check-out is now complete.

[0039] The present invention provides numerous advantages over the priorart. Through use of one or more embodiments of the invention, a playermay be able to begin slot machine play almost immediately after arrivingat the casino hotel, and without being delayed by lines at theregistration counter. Accordingly, the total time available for theplayer to engage in gaming activity may be increased. The invention mayprovide increased convenience to the player in other ways, since theplayer may be able to check in or check out of the casino at any time ofthe day or night and without requiring assistance of hotel employees.The player may also be permitted, in one or more embodiments of theinvention, to conveniently handle via a slot machine other hoteltransactions in addition to check-in or check-out. In one or moreembodiments, the player may also receive benefits and offers from thecasino hotel based on one or more of the player's gaming activity and/orinformation or requests submitted by the player via the slot machine.For example, by filling out a customer preference survey, a player mayrequest specific items to be delivered to his room. As another example,a player may automatically receive a room upgrade as a reward forplaying the slot machine for a certain minimum period of time.

[0040] In addition to providing benefits to players, embodiments of theinvention also provide benefits to the casino hotel. For example, sincethe player avoids wasting time on check-in and check-out, the timeavailable to the player for gaming activities may increase, with acorresponding increase in casino revenue. Also, the interaction with theslot machine by the player for non-gaming activities may lead the playerto visit the slot machine more frequently and to stay at the slotmachine longer, resulting in more gaming activity by the player andenhanced gaming profits for the casino. Further, the casino mayexperience increased repeat visits from players due to the convenienceand benefits offered by handling hotel transactions at a slot machine.In addition, information provided by the player, such as a customerand/or preference survey, may provide the casino hotel with a betterunderstanding of customer needs and an ability to better servecustomers. The casino hotel may also benefit from reduced overheadand/or labor costs, since guests are able to check in and/or check outof the hotel without the assistance of hotel employees.

[0041] The term “player” is frequently used herein to indicate a personinteracting with a gaming device. It will be understood that “player”may refer to any person or entity (e.g., a hotel guest, a casinocustomer or potential customer, a tourist visiting a casino, or a slotmachine player) using the gaming device in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the present invention. Thus, a “player” need not play thegaming device (e.g., need not make a wager on a game of chance at thegaming device) and need not have been or plan to be a player of anygaming device. For example, a customer may use a gaming device only fornon-gaming purposes, such as to make a future hotel reservation, toreceive voice mail messages, or to schedule a room cleaning.

[0042] 1. System

[0043]FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a system 100 in accordance withone or more embodiments of the invention. The system 100 includes aserver 102 in communication with one or more gaming devices 104, roomlock mechanisms 106, wireless terminals 108, and hotel reservationsystems 110. Each of the gaming devices, room lock mechanisms, wirelessterminals, and hotel reservation systems may comprise one or morecomputing devices, such as those based on the Intel® Pentium® processor,adapted to communicate with the server 102. Well-known computing devicesinclude, without limitation, a personal computer; a portable type ofcomputer, such as a laptop computer, a palm-top computer, a wearablecomputer, or a hand-held computer; and/or a Personal Digital Assistant(PDA). Other equivalent devices capable of performing the methodsspecified herein are well known in the art.

[0044] The gaming devices 104 may be, for example, slot machines and/orvideo poker machines. The server 102 and/or the gaming devices 104 mayinclude features provided in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe invention, as described further below. Although four gaming devices104 are shown in the drawing, it should be understood that any number ofgaming devices may communicate with the server 102.

[0045] The system 100 also includes a room lock mechanism 106 incommunication with the server 102. The room lock mechanism 106 includesfeatures provided in accordance with one or more embodiments of theinvention, as described further below. Although only one room lockmechanism 106 is shown in FIG. 1, it should be understood that anynumber of room lock mechanisms may communicate with the server 102. Inone or more embodiments of the invention, a respective room lockmechanism 106 provided in one or more embodiments and in communicationwith the server 102 is installed to control entry at each guest room ofthe hotel served by the server 102.

[0046] The system 100 also includes a wireless terminal 108 which is incommunication (via a wireless data link) with the server 102. Thewireless terminal 108 is provided in accordance with one or moreembodiments of the invention, as described further below. Although onlyone wireless terminal 108 is shown in the drawing, it should beunderstood that any number of wireless terminals 108 may communicatewith the server 102. While the wireless terminal 108 is a desirablefeature of the system 100, it is not essential, and may be omitted fromthe system 100.

[0047] The system 100 also includes a reservation system 110 that is incommunication with the server 102. The hotel reservation system 110 isprovided in accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, asdescribed further below. The hotel reservation system 110 may operate ina conventional fashion, for example, to handle requests for reservationsfrom prospective guests, to obtain room availability information fromthe server 102, and to provide reservation information to the server102. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the server 102 maycomprise the hotel reservation system 110.

[0048] The server 102 may communicate with the gaming devices, room lockmechanisms and the reservation system directly or via a network,including, without limitation, the Internet, wireless network protocol,local area network or a combination thereof; through a Web sitemaintained by the server 102 on a remote server; or over an on-line datanetwork including, without limitation, commercial on-line serviceproviders and bulletin board systems. The server 102 may communicatewith the gaming devices, room lock mechanisms and the reservation systemdirectly or indirectly. In yet other embodiments, communication with theserver 102 may be via a radio frequency, infrared, cable TV, satellitelinks and the like.

[0049] Those skilled in the art will understand that devices incommunication with each other need only be capable of communicating witheach other and need not be continually transmitting data to or receivingdata from each other. On the contrary, such devices need only transmitdata to or receive data from each other as necessary, and may actuallyrefrain from exchanging data most of the time. Further, devices may bein communication even though steps may be required to establish acommunication link (e.g., dialing a network service provider).

[0050] The server 102 may function as a “Web server” that generates Webpages (documents on the Web that typically include an HTML file andassociated graphics and script files) that may be accessed via the Weband allows communication with the server 102 in a manner known in theart.

[0051] 2. Devices

[0052] 2.1. Server

[0053]FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of the server 102 ofFIG. 1. The casino server 200 may be implemented as a system controller,as a dedicated hardware circuit, as an appropriately programmed generalpurpose computer, or as any other equivalent electronic, mechanical orelectromechanical device. The casino server 200 is preferably operableto process various hotel transactions and casino transactions.

[0054] With reference to FIG. 2, the casino server 200 comprises aprocessor 201, such as one or more conventional microprocessors (e.g.,one or more INTEL® PENTIUM® processors). The processor 201 is incommunication with a communications port 202 through which the processor201 communicates with other devices (e.g., with gaming devices, withroom lock mechanisms, with wireless terminals, and with a hotelreservation system). The communications port 202 may include multiplecommunication channels for simultaneous communication with, for example,the gaming devices 104, the room lock mechanism 106, other room lockmechanisms (not shown), the wireless terminal 108, other wirelessterminals (not shown) and/or the hotel reservation system 110. Aspreviously stated, devices in communication with each other need not becontinually transmitting to each other. On the contrary, such devicesneed only transmit to each other as necessary, may actually refrain fromexchanging data most of the time, and may require several steps to beperformed to establish a communication link between the devices.

[0055] The processor 201 also is in communication with a data storagedevice 204. The data storage device 204 may comprise an appropriatecombination of magnetic, optical and/or semiconductor memory, and mayinclude, for example, random access memory (RAM), read only memory(ROM), a compact disk and/or a hard disk. The processor 201 and the datastorage device 204 each may be, for example, (i) located entirely withina single computer or other computing device; or (ii) connected to eachother by a communication medium for remote communication, such as aserial port cable, a telephone line, a network connection or a radiofrequency transceiver. Alternatively, the casino server 200 may compriseone or more computers that are connected to a remote server computer formaintaining databases.

[0056] The data storage device 204 may store, for example, (i) a program206 (e.g., computer program code and/or a computer program product)adapted to direct the processor 201 in accordance with the presentinvention, and particularly in accordance with the processes describedin detail hereinafter in regard to the casino server 200; (ii) acustomer database 208 adapted to store information regarding individuals(e.g., players who have registered as members of a “players' club” orsimilar program sponsored by the casino served by the casino server 200;guests registered with a hotel; or other customers or potentialcustomers of a casino, such as those included in a mailing list forpromotional materials); (iii) a room database 210 adapted to storeinformation about the individual guest rooms of the hotel served by thecasino server 200; (iv) an offer database 212 adapted to storeinformation concerning offers that the casino server 200 may communicateto players from time to time via gaming devices and/or wirelessterminals; and (v) a reservation database 214 adapted to storeinformation regarding room reservations made by players and other hotelpatrons via a reservation system.

[0057] The program 206 may be stored in a compressed, an uncompiledand/or an encrypted format, and may include computer program code thatallows the casino server 200 to employ the communications port 202 to:

[0058] 1. communicate with the gaming devices 104 and the wirelessterminal 108 to handle hotel transactions such as check-in andcheck-out;

[0059] 2. communicate control information to the room lock mechanism 106and other room lock mechanisms (not shown);

[0060] 3. exchange information concerning reservations (e.g., hotelreservations, or restaurant reservations) and reservation confirmationswith the hotel reservation system 110;

[0061] 4. use the gaming devices 104 and/or the wireless terminal 108 toprovide one or more offers to players operating the gaming devices 104and/or the wireless terminal 108, and to receive responses from theplayers to the one or more offers provided to the players; and/or

[0062] 5. exchange data with other devices which are not shownconcerning transactions chargeable to hotel patrons' room accounts,including restaurant charges, room service charges, telephone charges,and charges for other products and services provided by the hotel tohotel patrons.

[0063] The computer program code required to implement the abovefunctions (and the other functions described herein) can be easilydeveloped by a person of ordinary skill in the art, and is not describedin detail herein. The casino server 200 may include any peripheraldevices (e.g., telephone keypads, handsets, headsets, microphones,speakers, keyboards, computer displays, etc.) required to implement theabove functionality. The program 206 also may include program elementssuch as an operating system, a database management system, and devicedrivers that allow the processor 201 to interface with computerperipheral devices (e.g., a video display, a keyboard, a computer mouse,etc.).

[0064] Note that instructions of the program 206 may be read into a mainmemory (not shown) of the processor 201 from a computer readable mediumother than the data storage device 204, such as from a ROM or from aRAM. While execution of sequences of instructions in the program 206causes the processor 201 to perform the process steps described herein,hard-wired circuitry may be used in place of, or in combination withsoftware instructions for implementation of the processes of the presentinvention. Thus, embodiments of the present invention are not limited toany specific combination of hardware and software. The processor 201also may be in communication with a clock 216 that supplies time anddate information to the processor 201 and/or controls the timing ofoperations of the processor 201. The clock 216 may be a clock externalto the processor 201, as indicated, or may alternatively be a clockinternal to the processor 201 or a clock embodied within the program 206(e.g., based on a system clock which is not shown).

[0065] The casino server 200 could be implemented as two or moreinterconnected servers, such as a slot server and a hotel server.

[0066] 2.2. Gaming Device

[0067]FIG. 3 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of one or more of thegaming devices 104 of FIG. 1. The gaming device 300 may have all of thecomponents of a conventional gaming device such as a slot machine or avideo poker machine. The schematic diagram of FIG. 3 is somewhatsimplified, and it accordingly should be understood that conventionalgaming device components may be present notwithstanding that suchcomponents are not explicitly indicated in FIG. 3.

[0068] The gaming device 300 may include various well-known devices thatallow wagering, including slot machines. Well-known examples of slotmachines include, without limitation, mechanical slot machines, videoslot machines, video poker machines, video blackjack machines, videokeno machines, video bingo machines, pachinko machines, and videolottery terminals. The gaming device 300 may be implemented as adedicated hardware circuit, an appropriately programmed general-purposecomputer, or any other appropriate device including, without limitation,electronic, mechanical or electromechanical devices. Accordingly, thegaming device need not include the various exemplary components depictedin FIG. 3.

[0069] With reference to FIG. 3, the gaming device 300 comprises aprocessor 301, such as one or more conventional microprocessors (e.g.,one or more INTEL® PENTIUM® processors). The processor 301 is incommunication with a communications interface 302, through which theprocessor 301 communicates with the above-described casino server 200.The communications interface 302 may also include a capability forwireless communication with, e.g., telephones, personal digitalassistants (PDAs), and the like.

[0070] Although not shown in FIG. 3, there may be associated with theprocessor 301 conventional volatile and/or non-volatile memory that mayfunction as program storage and/or working memory. The gaming device 300also includes a conventional currency receiver 304 which is incommunication with the processor 301 and is adapted to receive coinsand/or bills and/or tokens. The gaming device 300 also includesconventional game functionality (indicated by block 306) which isassociated with the processor 301 and may include suitable software fordisplaying game indicia such as simulated slot reels or representationsof playing cards. The game functionality 306 may also include a randomnumber generator and/or other elements required to generate a gameoutcome. The game functionality 306 may also include mechanicalcomponents such as conventional slot machine reels.

[0071] The gaming device 300 also includes a display 308 which is drivenby the processor 301. Under the control of the processor 301, thedisplay 308 may display game indicia in accordance with the gamefunctionality 306.

[0072] The gaming device 300 also includes a player input device 310that is in communication with the processor 301 and which may includetwo or more separate devices. For example, the player input device 310may allow a player to indicate an amount of a wager and to initiate acycle of game play, such as a spin of mechanical or simulated slotmachine reels. Alternatively, in the case of a video poker machine, theplayer input device 310 may allow the player to select cards to bediscarded. In one or more embodiments of the invention, the player inputdevice may permit the player to engage in hotel transactions such ascheck-in or check-out and/or to enter alphanumeric information. In thecase that the display 308 is a touch screen, the display 308 and theplayer input device 310 may be integrated together.

[0073] The gaming device 300 also includes a conventional playertracking card reader 312 which is in communication with the processor301. As is familiar to those who are skilled in the art, the playertracking card reader 312 is adapted to have a player tracking cardinterfaced therewith, and to read information from a magnetic stripe onthe player tracking card. The information read from the player trackingcard may include, for example, a player identifier.

[0074] The gaming device 300 also includes a conventional hoppercontroller 314 which is controlled by the processor 301, and whichcontrols dispensing of coins and/or tokens from a conventional hopper(not separately shown) in response to awarding of a jackpot and/or theplayer exercising a cash out option.

[0075] Also included in the gaming device 300, in one or moreembodiments, is a printer 316 which is driven by the processor 301, andwhich may be used to print out items such as billing statements, accesscode tickets and/or hotel information, offers or coupons, or cashlessgaming receipts (e.g., coupons representing monetary value usable atgaming devices).

[0076] Also shown in FIG. 3 is a preferences button 318 connected to theprocessor 301. In one or more embodiments of the invention, actuation ofthe preferences button 318 by the player may initiate a hoteltransaction and/or an opportunity for the player to request services orbenefits from the hotel casino. It should be understood that thepreferences button 318 may be integrated with the display 308 (if thedisplay is a touch screen) and/or with the player input device 310.

[0077] In one or more embodiments, the gaming device 300 may alsoinclude a conventional credit card reader 318. In accordance withconventional practices, the credit card reader 318 may read data such asa credit card account number from a credit card that is interfaced tothe credit card reader 318.

[0078] In some embodiments, the gaming device 300 may include a cardreader (not shown) that is configured to read both player tracking cardsand credit cards. In other embodiments, the gaming device 300 mayinclude one or more devices configured to receive one or more of variouswell-known types of removable media, including, without limitation,floppy disks, player tracking cards, credit cards, debit cards, smartcards, flash memory cards, multimedia cards, and memory sticks.

[0079] 2.3. Wireless Terminal

[0080]FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a wireless terminal108. The wireless terminal 400 comprises a processor 401, such as one ormore conventional microprocessors (e.g., one or more INTEL® PENTIUM®processors). Although not separately shown, there may be volatile memoryand/or non-volatile memory associated with the processor 401. Suchmemory may be used for program storage, working memory, etc. There mayalso be one or more mass storage devices, such as hard disks, includedin the wireless terminal 400.

[0081] The processor 401 is in communication with a communications port402, which enables the wireless terminal 400 to be in wirelesscommunication with the casino server 200. The communications port 402may also include a capability for wireless communication with, e.g.,telephones, PDAs, and the like.

[0082] The wireless terminal 400 also includes a conventional display404 which is driven by the processor 401. Also included in the wirelessterminal 400 are one or more user input devices (indicated by block 406)which may be conventional devices for providing user input to theprocessor 401. If the display 404 is a touch screen, then it will beappreciated that the display 404 and the input device 406 may beintegrated together.

[0083] The wireless terminal 400 also includes a conventional playertracking card reader 408, which may be like the player tracking cardreader 312 discussed in connection with FIG. 3. The player tracking cardreader 408 reads information such as a player identifier from a playertracking card and provides the information to the processor 401. Thewireless terminal 400 may also include a conventional credit card reader410. In accordance with conventional practices, the credit card reader410 may read data such as a credit card account number from a creditcard that is interfaced to the credit card reader 410. The credit cardreader 410 then provides the data to the processor 401. The wirelessterminal 400 may also include a printer, which is not shown. The printermay print out information of the types described in connection with theprinter 316 of the gaming device 300 (FIG. 3).

[0084] In general, the wireless terminal 400 may have all of thecapabilities of the gaming device 300 except for gaming capabilities.Accordingly, the wireless terminal 400, in communication with the casinoserver 200, may be adapted to perform hotel transactions such ascheck-in or check-out and/or may allow the user to state preferences,request benefits or services from the hotel, and/or to receive offersfrom the hotel. One or more wireless terminals 400 may be placed at thefront door of the casino hotel and/or outside the casino hotel or at thecurb, to allow hotel guests to conveniently check in or check out of thecasino hotel. In some embodiments, the wireless terminal 400 mayresemble a conventional kiosk in appearance.

[0085] 2.4. Room Lock Mechanism

[0086]FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary embodiment of theroom lock mechanism 106. It will be appreciated that such a room lockmechanism may be installed in or in association with the door of eachguest room of the casino hotel.

[0087] With reference to FIG. 5, the room lock mechanism 500 comprises aprocessor 501, such as one or more conventional microprocessors (e.g.,one or more INTEL® PENTIUM® processors). Although not separately shown,the room lock mechanism 500 may also include volatile memory and/ornon-volatile memory associated with the processor 501. Such memory maybe used for program storage, working memory, etc. The processor 501 isin communication with a communications port 502 through which theprocessor 501 is in communication with the casino server 200.

[0088] The room lock mechanism 500 also preferably includes aconventional player tracking card reader 504. The player tracking cardreader 504 is adapted to read information such as a player identifierfrom a player tracking card interfaced to the player tracking cardreader 504. The player tracking card reader 504 then provides theinformation to the processor 501. In accordance with the presentinvention, the room lock mechanism 500 may operate so that a playertracking card belonging to a player to whom the respective room has beenassigned may function as a room key. In addition, or alternatively,entry of an access code may be required to unlock the door. Accordingly,a display screen 506 and an input/output device 508 may be included inthe room lock mechanism 500. If the display 506 is a touch screen, thedisplay 506 and the input/output device 508 may be integrated together.The I/O device 508 may take the form of a simple pushbutton input orkeypad to be used in inputting an alphanumeric access code. In such acase, the display 506 may be dispensed with.

[0089] The room lock mechanism 500 also includes a lock controller 510which may be a conventional electromechanical device adapted toselectively release the door lock (not separately shown) in response toan instruction or actuation signal from the processor 501.

[0090] 3. Databases

[0091] Exemplary embodiments of the customer database 208, of the roomdatabase 210, of the offer database 212 and of the reservation database214 (shown in association with the casino server 200 as illustrated inFIG. 2) are shown in FIGS. 6-9, respectively. The specific data andfields illustrated in these drawings represent only one embodiment ofthe records stored in the databases of the invention. The data andfields of these databases, as well as the number of databases, can bereadily modified, for example, to include more or fewer data fields. Asingle database also may be employed. Note that in the databases, adifferent reference numeral is employed to identify each field of eachdatabase. However, in at least one embodiment of the invention, fieldsthat are similarly named (e.g., player identifier fields) store similaror the same data in a similar or in the same data format.

[0092] 3.1. Customer Database

[0093]FIG. 6 is a tabular representation of one embodiment of thecustomer database 208 of FIG. 1. The player database 600 of FIG. 6contains information related to players who have registered or becomemembers in a players' club or similar program sponsored by the casinohotel served by the casino server 200. (Alternatively, the players couldbe registered in or members of a players' club sponsored by a group ofcasino hotels or another organization, and participated in by the casinohotel served by the casino server 200.)

[0094] As shown in FIG. 6, a sample of the contents of the playerdatabase 600 contains player information related to four playersidentified in records 602-608, respectively. Specifically, for eachplayer, the player database 600 contains records having fieldscorresponding to, for example, (1) a player identifier 610, used by thecasino server 200 to identify the player; (2) a player name 612; (3) aplayer mailing address 614; (4) a player e-mail address 616; (5) acredit card number 618 of the player; (6) theoretical win data for agaming session that the player is currently engaged in (referencenumeral 620); (7) data indicating a quantity of coins or other tenderedcurrency or currency equivalent inserted by the player into a gamingdevice in the current gaming session (reference numeral 622); (8) dataindicating an amount that the player has actually won or lost in thecurrent gaming session (reference numeral 624); (9) data indicatingtotal theoretical win information for the player over the course of allof the player's gaming activity at the casino hotel (reference numeral626); and (10) an indication as to whether the player is currentlychecked into the hotel (reference numeral 628).

[0095] Player identifiers may include identifiers, such as a sequence ofdigits or a sequence of alphanumeric characters, that uniquely identifya particular player. Player identifiers may include, for example, aplayer tracking number and/or a credit card account number. In oneembodiment, a player identifier may be recorded in a physical form suchas by a player tracking card and/or a credit card.

[0096] Although not shown in FIG. 6, the player database 600 couldinclude an additional field that stores, for each player, an identifierof a gaming device that the player is currently playing. It will beunderstood that there would be no entry in such a field at times whenthe respective player is not currently playing a gaming device. Otherplayer information not shown in FIG. 6 that may be stored within theplayer database includes player preferences (e.g., non-smoking room),one or more player identifiers corresponding to players or otherindividuals associated with the player (e.g., family, friends, fellowtour group members, or team members), and/or benefits that the casinohotel customarily provides to the player (e.g., welcome fruit basket inroom because of the player's past or anticipated future gamingactivity). It will be appreciated that the data in fields 620-626 may beused by the casino hotel to “rate” the level of the player's gamingactivity to determine what complimentary benefits (“comps”) the casinohotel may offer to the player. Other rating information may also beincluded in the player database 600.

[0097] Note that the customer database 208 (and the room database 210,the offer database 212 and the reservation database 214) may bepopulated with data provided to the casino server 200 via thecommunications port 202, and that the data may be provided to the casinoserver 200 from data entry terminals (not shown), from other computersystems (not shown) and/or from the hotel reservation system 110(FIG. 1) and/or from any other source.

[0098] With reference to the player database 600 of FIG. 6, the record602 illustrates exemplary data for a player PL-901-902132 (playeridentifier 610) named Jane Thomas (player name 612) who lives at 54 RockWay (address 614). Jane Thomas' e-mail address is JT@HOTMAIL.COM (e-mailaddress 616). Jane Thomas has a credit card number 1234-5678-9123-4567(credit card number 618). The rating data in fields 620-626 indicatesthat Jane Thomas has a current session theoretical win of $70.00, acurrent session coin in amount of $1,000.00, a current session actualwin of $80.00 and a historical theoretical win amount of $220.00. Field628 indicates that Jane Thomas is not currently checked in to the hotel.

[0099] 3.2. Room Database

[0100] The room database 210 contains information related to rooms inthe hotel. FIG. 7 is a tabular representation 700 of the room database210. The tabular representation 700 of the room database 210 containsroom information relating to five rooms that are identified in records702-710, respectively. (In practice, it will be understood that thehotel is likely to have many more than the five rooms recorded in theexemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 7. There may be, for example,hundreds or thousands of rooms in the hotel and recorded in the roomdatabase 210.) Specifically, for each room, the tabular representationcontains sample records having fields corresponding to, for example, (1)a room identifier 712 that uniquely identifies the room; (2) a room type714 (such as standard, suite, luxury suite, villa, king bed, etc.); (3)a room rate 716 which indicates a standard or “rack” rate charged forone night's stay in the room; (4) an indication as to whether the roomis a smoking room or a nonsmoking room (reference numeral 718); (5) anindication of the “status” of the room (i.e., whether the room isoccupied or unoccupied; that is whether the room is currently assignedto a hotel guest; reference numeral 720); and (6) an access code 722that is currently assigned to the room lock mechanism 500 for the roomto control unlocking of the room lock mechanism 500. Additional fieldsthat may be included in the room database 210, but are not shown, mightbe the physical room number (i.e., the number which appears on the doorof the room), a player identifier field to indicate a player to whom theroom is currently assigned and/or an indication as to whether the roomis suitably equipped to accommodate handicapped hotel guests.

[0101] Room identifiers may include identifiers such as, withoutlimitation, a sequence of digits or a sequence of alphanumericcharacters, that uniquely identify a particular room. In one embodiment,a player identifier may be recorded in a physical form such as by aplayer tracking card and/or a credit card.

[0102] Access codes may include, for example, a sequence of digits or asequence of alphanumeric characters that grants a player access to hishotel room. In one embodiment, the room access code may be generated andstored on the casino server. In addition, upon generating the roomaccess code, the casino server may transmit the code to the player'shotel room locking mechanism so that the player is required to input thecode at the hotel room door in order to gain access to his or her hotelroom. A room access code may also refer to a code specified or generatedby a player or entity other than a casino server. For example, a playermay be prompted to indicate a room access code, or a gaming device maygenerate a room access code. In some embodiments, the room access codeis not an alphanumeric code. For example, a room access code may bebased on biometric information about a player (e.g., a fingerprint, or aretinal scan). The depicted fields of FIG. 7, for example the variousroom identifiers and room access codes, are for illustration only.Various other forms of identifiers and codes are described herein andstill others will be readily apparent to those of skill in the art.

[0103] 3.3. Offer Database

[0104] The offer database 212 contains information related to offersthat may be communicated from the casino server 200 to players via thegaming device 300 and/or the wireless terminal 400. FIG. 8 illustrates atabular representation 800 of the offer database 212. As shown in FIG.8, the tabular representation 800 of the offer database 212 containsinformation for six offers identified in records 802-812, respectively.Specifically, for each offer, the tabular representation 800 containssample records having fields corresponding to, for example, (1) an offeridentifier 812 that identifies the offer; and (2) an offer description814 that describes the offer. Possible offers may include, but are notlimited to, one or more of: a free shoe shine, gaming credits (e.g., foruse at one or more of the gaming device 300), a complimentary copy of anewspaper, free soft drinks from the room refrigerator, a coupon for ahotel restaurant, a free room upgrade, and improved payouts or odds orother benefits associated with game play in the gaming device 300 (e.g.,jackpots pay double for a certain time period). The offer database 212may include additional fields, which are not shown, such as adescription of what the player has to do to qualify for the offer (e.g.,check in and/or check out using a gaming device 300 or the wirelessterminal 400; engage in gaming activity with a gaming device 300 for acertain period of time, or wager a certain amount of money during gamingactivity at a gaming device 300; defer checking in to a room for whichthe player has a reservation; check out early from a room that has beenassigned to the player; relinquish a room that has been assigned to theplayer or relinquish a room reservation; purchase a meal or a drink at ahotel restaurant or bar; defer, limit or eliminate cleaning of theplayer's room; move to another, commonly-owned hotel).

[0105] 3.4. Reservation Database

[0106] The reservation database 214 contains information related to roomreservations made by players or other hotel patrons. It will beappreciated that some or all of the room reservations may have been madethrough the hotel reservation system 110 (FIG. 1). FIG. 9 illustrates atabular representation 900 of the reservation database 214. As shown inFIG. 9, the tabular representation 900 of the reservation database 214contains information for four reservations identified by records902-908, respectively. Specifically, for each room reservation, thetabular representation 900 contains sample records having fieldscorresponding to, for example, (1) a reservation identifier 910 thatidentifies the room reservation; (2) a room identifier 912 thatidentifies a room that has been assigned to satisfy the reservation; (3)a player identifier 914 that identifies a player who made thereservation; (4) a check-in date 916; and (5) a check-out date 918.Other fields that may be included in the reservation database 214 butwhich are not shown, include a confirmation number, a credit cardaccount number to which charges for the room are to be applied, thephysical room number (i.e., the number of the room which appears on thedoor of the room), fields for requested room characteristics, such asroom type, smoking/non-smoking, handicap accessible, etc., and possiblyadditional information concerning the player, including name, address,etc. The reservation database 214 may also include accounting fieldswhich record all transactions and/or charges that are chargeable to theplayer's room account, such as room charges, meals, room service andother services or items ordered by the player and charged to theplayer's room account. Alternatively, such accounting fields may beincluded in the room database 210, or in a separate database (not shown)which is accessible by at least one of the room identifier, thereservation identifier and the player identifier.

[0107] 4. Processes

[0108] FIGS. 10A-10B together form a flow chart of an exemplary process1000 performed by the system 100 of FIGS. 1-9 in connection with anautomated hotel check-in operation. The process 1000 may be embodiedwithin computer program code of the program 206 of the casino server 200and may comprise a computer program product.

[0109] With reference to FIG. 10A, the process 1000 begins in step 1002,at which a player identifier is received via a gaming device 300. Thismay occur, for example, by a player interfacing (swiping or inserting)his player tracking card into the player tracking card reader 312 (FIG.3) of the gaming device 300. Alternatively, the player may communicatethe player identifier to the gaming device 300 by wireless communicationvia a hand-held device such as a PDA, a cellular telephone, or anotebook computer. As another alternative, the gaming device 300 may beequipped with a credit card reader (not shown) and the player identifier(or alternatively a credit card account number) may be entered into thegaming device 300 by interfacing the player's credit card or debit cardwith the credit card reader. The player identifier or credit card numbercould also be entered by the player typing into a keyboard or touchscreen, or by speaking into a microphone. Alternatively, the playeridentifier may comprise biometric data (e.g., a fingerprint, a voiceprint, or a retinal scan) input via an appropriate biometric device (notshown). Once the player identifier or credit card number has beenentered into the gaming device 300, the player identifier or credit cardnumber is communicated from the gaming device 300 to the casino server200 and the player database 600 is accessed to retrieve the record forthe player. The reservation database 214 may also be accessed todetermine whether the player is holding a room reservation. In responseto the entry of the player identifier, the gaming device 300, uponsuitable direction from the casino server 200, may present apersonalized greeting to the player.

[0110] As another alternative, the reservation database 215 may not beaccessed unless and until the player selects a check-in option (asindicated at step 1004 (FIG. 10A)). The hotel check-in option may beselected in response to a suitable prompt presented to the player viathe display 308 (FIG. 3) of the gaming device 300. If the hotel check-inoption is not selected, then other functions (step 1006, FIG. 10A), suchas conventional gaming activity, may take place. If the hotel check-inoption is selected, and if the reservation database 214 was notpreviously accessed, then the casino server 200 accesses the reservationdatabase (step 1008) in response to selection of the hotel check-inoption. It is then determined (step 1010) whether a room reservation forthe player is stored in the reservation database 214. If so, then thecasino server 200 may instruct the gaming device 300 to display to theplayer, via the display 308 of the gaming device 300, reservation data(step 1012). For example, the reservation information may be presentedas a reservation confirmation page, such as an electronic display ofinformation regarding the player's reservation of a hotel room. In otherembodiments, the gaming device 300 may print a representation ofreservation information (e.g., using the printer 316). The reservationinformation may, for example, include all of the reservation informationcustomarily provided on a hotel registration card (e.g., the player'sname, address, credit card number, and/or e-mail address) plusadditional data such as dates of check-in and check-out, roomcharacteristics, etc. The player may then be prompted to review thereservation data (e.g., as displayed on a reservation confirmation page)and to indicate whether the information contained therein is correct. Ifit is determined (step 1014) that the player has indicated that theinformation is not correct, then the player may be prompted to entercorrected information (step 1016). The player may enter the correctedinformation via the player input device 310 (FIG. 3) of the gamingdevice 300, which may, as noted above, be a touch screen (display 308).

[0111] After an indication that the reservation confirmation page iscorrect, or after correction of the reservation data, the casino server200 may instruct the gaming device 300 to display to the player via thedisplay 308 of the gaming device 300 preferences data (step 1018, FIG.10B), such as various preference options or other information, fromwhich the player may select preferred features and services inconnection with the player's hotel stay.

[0112] In some embodiments, preferences information may be representedto a player as an electronic display. An exemplary preferences page 1100is illustrated in FIG. 11. In accordance with one or more embodiments,the preferences page is a menu or form presented to a player to displayhotel offers and/or features, products, and/or services that may beselected by the player in connection with the player's hotel stay.Exemplary preference options for food, entertainment, literature, hotelroom and hotel cleaning are depicted.

[0113] Not all of the information depicted in FIG. 11 is required, andvarious substitutions, deletions and other changes to the representationwill be readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. Forexample, the literature category may not be used in some embodiments.The depicted fields, for example, the depicted options within eachcategory, are for illustration only. Various other forms of categoriesand options are described herein and still others will be readilyapparent to those of skill in the art. Further, other arrangements ofpreference categories and options will be readily appreciated by thoseof skill in the art.

[0114] In connection with selection of preferences, the gaming device300 may present to the player an image (actual or simulated) of a roomor a type of room that the player may select. Such an image may be astill image (e.g., a photograph) or a moving image (e.g., a video, or ananimated depiction). The player may then be prompted to select hispreferences from the preferences page. Selection of preferences by theplayer is represented by step 1020. The player may also be permitted toenter additional or supplemental preferences in text form.

[0115] Considering again step 1010 (FIG. 10A) if it is found that theplayer does not have a reservation, then the player is prompted to inputdata required to allow the player to check in. Such data may include theplayer's desired length of stay (i.e., the player's desired check-outdate) and room preferences such as room type, smoking/non-smoking, etc.The inputting of the room selection data is represented by step 1022 inFIG. 10A. At this step, registration information such as the player'sname, address and credit card number may be retrieved automatically fromthe player database 600. Alternatively, some or all of this informationmay be entered by the player via the player input device 310 of thegaming device 300. Following entry and/or retrieval of room selectiondata are the previously described steps of presenting and selecting fromthe preferences information (steps 1018 and 1020).

[0116] Next, the casino server 200 assigns a room to the player (step1024, FIG. 10B) in accordance with either the reservation information(possibly collected at step 1016, FIG. 10A) or in accordance with theroom selection data collected at step 1022. The assignment of a room tothe player may entail the casino server 200 populating the roomidentifier field 912 (FIG. 9) of the record of the reservation database214 corresponding to the player with a particular room identifier thatcorresponds to an unoccupied room that satisfies the roomcharacteristics desired by the player. In this way, it will beappreciated that the room identifier for the assigned room is associatedwith the player identifier corresponding to the player to whom the roomis assigned. In addition, the corresponding record for the assigned roomin the room database 210 (FIG. 7) may be modified such that the entry inthe status field 720 is changed from “unoccupied” to “occupied”. If theroom database 210 includes a player identifier field (not shown) thenthe player identifier of the player to whom the room has been assignedmay be entered into the player identifier field for the recordcorresponding to the room that has been assigned.

[0117] If there are no rooms available that match the player'spreferences, but other rooms are available, the player may be invitedvia the gaming device 300 to change his or her preferences to match anavailable room. Room assignment may then take place.

[0118] Referring once again to FIG. 10B, after assignment of the room tothe player, the casino server 200 may generate an access code (step1026) to be used to control operation of the room lock mechanism 500 forthe assigned room. In one embodiment, the casino server may randomlygenerate a room access code. This may be done each time a room isassigned, such that a unique code is generated for each player's stay inthe hotel. Such a randomly generated access code would be very difficultfor a would-be thief to guess or predict. As an alternative, the roomaccess code may be determined through cryptographic encoding ofinformation related to the player, such as the player identifier. Inanother embodiment, the casino server 200 may retrieve the predeterminedaccess code that has previously been assigned to the room and is storedin the room database 210. Assuming that the access code has beenrandomly or cryptographically generated, or otherwise generatedspecifically for the player's stay in the hotel, the access code may beentered into the access code field 722 (FIG. 7) of the record whichcorresponds to the assigned room. In this way, the room access code isassociated with the room identifier for the assigned room.

[0119] Referring once more to FIG. 10B, in step 1028, the casino server200 causes the gaming device 300 to communicate to the playerinformation regarding the room assignment. This information may include,for example, the physical room number for the assigned room. Alsoincluded in the room assignment information may be the access code to beentered by the player into the room lock mechanism 500 to unlock thedoor of the assigned room. The information provided to the player atthis time may also include a map of the hotel and/or directions to theassigned room. The room assignment information may be displayed on thedisplay 308 of the gaming device 300 and/or may be printed out by theprinter 316 of the gaming device 300. It may be especially advantageousto print out the access code for the player, so that the player is notrequired to memorize the access code. In addition, or alternatively, theplayer may be informed that the player's player tracking card may beused as a room key. The physical number of the assigned room may also beprinted out by the printer 316 of the gaming device 300.

[0120] If one or more other individuals will be occupying the room withthe player, the casino server 200 may cause the gaming device 300 toprompt the player to provide information for identifying any otherplayers with whom the player is associated (e.g., family, friends, hotelroommates, fellow tour group members, or team members). For example, thegaming device 300 may prompt the player to interface to the gamingdevice 300 the player tracking cards of the other individuals so thatthey may be identified as other occupants of the room and enabled to usetheir player tracking cards as room keys. Or, if necessary, the playermay be instructed to obtain additional player tracking cards for theother individuals.

[0121] Then, in step 1030, the casino server 200 transmits to the roomlock mechanism 500 for the assigned room data that is to be used by theroom lock mechanism 500 in determining that the door to the assignedroom is to be unlocked. For example, the transmitted data may includeboth the player identifier for the player to whom the room is assignedand the access code that was generated in step 1026. As referred toherein and in the appended claims, transmitting the player identifier tothe room lock mechanism 500 may include transmitting to the room lockmechanism 500 only a portion (e.g., the last n digits) of the playeridentifier. Based upon the transmitted data, the room lock mechanism 500for the assigned room may operate such that the room door is unlockedupon the player interfacing his or her player tracking card to theplayer tracking card reader 504 (FIG. 5) of the room lock mechanism 500,plus entry via the input/output device 508 of the access code. Forexample, the room lock mechanism 500 may read the player identifier fromthe player tracking card and compare the read player identifier with theplayer identifier data transmitted to the room lock mechanism 500 by thecasino server 200. If the read player identifier and the transmittedplayer identifier match, and the proper access code has been entered,the room lock is opened.

[0122] Alternatively, only one of interfacing the player tracking cardand entry of the access code may be required to unlock the door. Inanother embodiment of the invention, no access code is used, and onlyinterfacing of the player tracking card to the player tracking cardreader 504 is required to unlock the door. In this embodiment, theinput/output device 508 and the display screen 506 may be omitted fromthe room lock mechanism 500. In another embodiment, the player trackingcard is not used as a room key and entry to the room is obtained byentering the access code into the input/output device 508 of the roomlock mechanism 500. In this case, the player tracking card reader 504may be omitted from the room lock mechanism 500.

[0123] It is also contemplated that the access code may be transmittedto the room lock mechanism 500 by being magnetically written on theplayer tracking card by the gaming device 300 and then read by theplayer tracking card reader 504 of the room lock mechanism 500. In suchan arrangement, the player tracking card reader 312 (FIG. 3) of thegaming device 300 may be provided with a magnetic writing capability.

[0124] According to other embodiments of the invention, the room lockmechanism 500 need not be in communication with the casino server 200and need not be electronic. The room lock mechanism 500 could beoperable, for example, by a conventional mechanical or data-based key,which could be provided to the player by a hotel representative.

[0125] Upon completion of the check-in process of FIGS. 10A-10B, theplayer may proceed with conventional gaming activity on the gamingdevice 300.

[0126] If, at the time the player wishes to check in, no rooms arecurrently available, the player may be placed on a waiting listmaintained by the casino server 200. When a room becomes available forthe player, he or she may be so advised via a gaming device 300 whichthe player is playing. Check-in may then occur as described inconnection with FIGS. 10A-10B.

[0127]FIG. 12 is a flow chart of an exemplary process of the system 100of FIGS. 1-9 in connection with a check-out operation. The process 1200may be embodied with computer program code of the program 206 of thecasino server 200 and may comprise a computer program product. Initiallyin the process 1200, at step 1202, a player identifier is received via agaming device 300. As described in connection with step 1002 (FIG. 10A),receiving of the player identifier may occur by the player interfacinghis or her player card to the player tracking card reader 312 (FIG. 3.)of the gaming device 300 and by allowing the gaming device 300 to readthe player identifier from the player tracking card. Alternatively, theplayer identifier may be wirelessly transmitted to the gaming device 300via a hand-held device carried by the player, as also described above inconnection with step 1002. After the player identifier is received, theplayer may be given the option to select a check-out procedure. This maybe done by displaying a suitable message on the display 308 (FIG. 3) ofthe gaming device 300. If it is determined that the player has notselected the check-out option (step 1204, FIG. 12) then other functions(step 1206) may be performed, such as conventional gaming activities.

[0128] If the check-out option is selected in step 1204, then the casinoserver 200 may access the reservation database 214 (step 1208). As notedbefore, the reservation database 214 may include accounting fields,which are not shown, to record all transactions and/or charges that arechargeable to the player's room. Alternatively, such information may bestored in the room database 210, in fields that are not shown, or in aseparate database, that is not shown, in which room charges are stored.In any case, the casino server 200 retrieves billing informationreflecting all charges attributable to the player's stay at the hotel.The casino server 200 then instructs the gaming device 300 to presentthe billing information to the player (step 1210). For example, thebilling information may be displayed on the display 308 (FIG. 3) of thegaming device 300. The player may then be prompted to indicate whetherhe or she approves of the billing information. A determination as towhether the player has indicated approval of the billing information ismade in step 1212. If the player indicates disapproval of the billinginformation, then the casino server 200 may cause the gaming device 300to display a message indicating that the player should seek assistancewith check-out at the hotel registration desk (step 1214).

[0129] In some embodiments, the player may be given the opportunity tohave one or more items removed from the bill in return for one or moreof: (a) playing the gaming device 300 (and/or any other gaming device)for a certain period of time; (b) wagering a certain amount; (c)agreeing to accept a reduced payout or less favorable odds in futuregame play; (d) making a future reservation at the hotel; (e) agreeing todine at a hotel restaurant; (f) accepting a cross-subsidy/third partyoffer; (g) agreeing to establish a certain threshold credit balance atthe gaming device 300; and (h) answering one or more survey questions.Of course, the player need not disapprove of the item to be removed, orof any item on the bill, in order to receive such an offer. Items mayalso be removed at times other than at check-out. Credits and/ordiscounts may also be earned that are not related to any particular itemor items on the bill, and/or that do not correspond to the removal of anitem or items from the bill. For example, the player may earn a $5discount or credit applied to the total bill.

[0130] If in step 1212 it is determined that the player has indicatedapproval of the billing information, then check-out can be automaticallycompleted. In such a case, the casino server 200 instructs the gamingdevice 300 to print out an itemized check-out statement (step 1216) viathe printer 316 (FIG. 3) of the gaming device 300. In addition, asindicated in step 1218, the casino server 200 may update its databasesto indicate that the player has checked out of his assigned room. Forexample, the record corresponding to the assigned room may be modifiedby changing the entry in the status field 720 (FIG. 7) from “occupied”to “unoccupied”. Also, concerning the reservation database 214, therecord corresponding to the player's reservation and hotel stay may bepurged from the database and suitable information may be stored in anarchival database, which is not shown. Furthermore, a billing database(not shown) may be updated to cause the player's hotel stay to becharged to the player's credit card account.

[0131] Upon completion of the check-out process of FIG. 12, the playermay proceed with conventional gaming activity on the gaming device 300.

[0132] Although the check-in process of FIGS. 10A-10B and the check-outprocess of FIG. 12 have been described in connection with a playerinteracting with a gaming device 300, it should be understood that thoseprocesses may alternatively be performed in conjunction with a playerinteracting with the wireless terminal 108 (FIG. 1).

[0133] 5. Additional Embodiments

[0134] It is contemplated to modify the check-in process of FIGS.10A-10B and/or the check-out process of FIG. 12 so as to includeinteraction between the player and hotel personnel. In some embodiments,at any time after the player identifier is received (step 1002), a hotelrepresentative may be signaled to assist the player with check-in. Forexample, the casino server 200 may signal the hotel representative via awireless terminal carried by the hotel representative, or via a visibleor audible signal (e.g., via a display at a workstation manned by thehotel representative). In another example, the gaming device 300 couldemit a visible or audible signal (such as a flashing light) to call ahotel representative to assist the player. The hotel representativecould meet with the player at the gaming device 300 and assist theplayer with check-in via the gaming device 300 and/or the wirelessterminal. Similarly, when check-out is desired, as indicated at step1204 of FIG. 12, a hotel representative could be signaled to go to thegaming device 300 to assist the player with check-out.

[0135] The player, for example, could be permitted to confirm areservation with the hotel representative, to indicate preferences,and/or to approve check-out information. The player may be able to signa corresponding document printed out by the gaming device 300 orprovided by a hotel representative, and provide the signed document tothe hotel representative as part of a check-in or check-out process. Ahotel representative could receive a room key from, or deliver a roomkey to, the player. In some alternative embodiments, a porter may besignaled to come to the gaming device 300 to pick up the player'sluggage and/or escort the player to his room, or to remove the player'sluggage from the room.

[0136] As still another alternative, test input/display, a microphoneand headset arrangement and/or a video display at the gaming device 300might be used to allow the player to communicate with a remotely-locatedhotel representative for the purpose of check-in or check-out.

[0137] The player could be allowed to provide a communication address(e.g., telephone number, an email address, or a pager number) at whichthe player could receive a message or reminder from the hotel. Forexample, the player could provide a cellular telephone number. The hotelcould call the number, for example, when the player's room is ready.Alternatively, the player could be provided with a pager that would beused to inform the player, for example, when his room is ready, or whena hotel representative is available to assist the player with check-inor check-out.

[0138] In addition to, or instead of the check-in and check-outprocesses described above, the player may interact with the gamingdevice 300 in regard to other transactions related to his or her hotelstay and/or in other ways that do not involve gaming activity.

[0139] In some embodiments, the gaming device 300 and the casino server200 may be operated as a messaging or communication system. For example,the player may be permitted to retrieve and manage telephone messagesvia a gaming device 300. If such an option is to be provided, it will beunderstood that a conventional voice mail system (not shown) may beinterfaced to the casino server 200. When the player receives or hasreceived a telephone message, an indication thereof is provided from thevoice mail system to the casino server 200. The casino server 200 theninstructs a gaming device 300 with which the player is engaged in gamingactivity to display a message or an icon or other indication to informthe player that he or she has a phone message. By selecting the icon orwith another suitable input, the player may instruct the gaming deviceto retrieve and reproduce the phone message. The phone message may betransmitted from the voice mail system to the casino server 200 and thenconverted from speech to text. Then the resulting text can be displayedto the player via the gaming device 300. Alternatively, the phonemessage may be transmitted from the casino server 200 to the gamingdevice 300 in the form of a voice file, and the voice file may beaudibly reproduced via a loudspeaker (not shown) or a headset (notshown) provided at the gaming device 300.

[0140] In similar fashion, the player may be allowed to manage, retrieveand/or send messages (e.g., electronic mail, instant text messages,discussion forum postings, bulletin board postings) via the gamingdevice 300. For example, a player may post a message on a virtualbulletin board operated by the casino server 200. Other players mayaccess the bulletin board via a gaming device and view the postedmessage. In some embodiments, only associated players (e.g., familymembers, roommates, or fellow members of a tour group) may view themessage.

[0141] In another example, players may be allowed to locate each otherand/or to send text messages to each other. For instance, a player maybe able to request information about the location (or approximatelocation) of a particular player or group of players or about recentactivity of such players, and/or may request any messages by suchplayers. Alternatively, the casino server 200 may automatically providesuch information or messages to the player based on the player'spreferences. The casino server 200 may be able to approximate a locationof an associated player or determine activities of an associated playerbased on the associated player's use of a corresponding credit card orplayer tracking card (e.g., at a restaurant, at a gaming device 300, orat a gift shop). This information may enable the casino server 200 tolocate an associated player at a particular gaming device 300, or in aparticular part of the casino, and provide an indication of theassociated player's location to the inquiring player at a gaming device300. The casino server 200 could then provide an indication of theapproximate location and/or activity to the inquiring player at a gamingdevice 300.

[0142] In some embodiments, the gaming device 300 and the casino server200 may be operated as a scheduling system. The player may be permittedto store, retrieve, and manage appointments via a gaming device 300.Personal information managers, organizers, and scheduling applicationsare well known to those having ordinary skill in the art and may beconfigured to allow for interaction with a user via a gaming device 300.A scheduling system may be integrated with or separate from a messagingsystem such as described above. In one example, the player may indicatevia the scheduling system that he plans to eat dinner from 6 p.m. until7 p.m., and then plans to play slot machines from 7 p.m. until 8 p.m. Insome embodiments, the player may receive recommendations and/or offersrelated to appointments scheduled by the player. For example, the playermay request via a gaming device 300 a suggestion on where to eat duringhis planned dinner period, and may indicate further information and/orpreferences, such as a preferred type of cuisine, a number of people inhis dinner party, and an estimated amount to be spent on dinner. Thecasino server 200 and/or a hotel representative may search a database ofrestaurants and/or offers in order to identify one or morerecommendations and/or offers based on the player's request. Forexample, the player may receive via the gaming device 300 an offer forfour entrees for the price of three entrees at a hotel restaurant.

[0143] In some embodiments, the player may request suggestions foractivities or events to do during periods of time in which noappointments are scheduled. For example, the player may indicate via agaming device 300 that the player wishes to receive a suggestion for anactivity between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m. at which smoking is not permitted.The casino server 200 and/or a hotel representative may search adatabase of activities and/or offers in order to identify one or moreevents meeting the player's requirements. For example, the player mayreceive via the gaming device 300 an offer to attend a show, or toparticipate in a bingo game in a smoke-free room.

[0144] In some embodiments, the casino server 200 and/or the gamingdevice 300 may provide one or more offers for unscheduled time withoutreceiving a request from the player. In one or more embodiments, theplayer may access the scheduling system via a Web server operated by thehotel, for example, prior to or during the player's stay at the hotel.

[0145] Players operating the gaming device 300 may also be permitted totransmit messages via the gaming devices to request various servicesand/or benefits from the casino hotel. For example, a player maytransmit a message via a gaming device 300 (by using the player inputdevice 310, FIG. 3, of the gaming device 300) to request the hotelhousekeeping staff to clean the player's room.

[0146] Moreover, the casino server 200 may employ the displays 308 ofthe gaming device 300 to communicate messages to particular ones of theplayers operating the gaming device 300. One such message could be, “Mr.Smith, your room number 336 is now ready.” Other messages maycommunicate offers made by the hotel to the players. For example, thecasino server 200 could offer compensation (such as gaming credit to beemployed on the gaming device 300) to a player to switch rooms (e.g.,from a non-smoking to a smoking room, in the event that there is ashortage of non-smoking rooms). The player's response to the offer maybe provided via the player input device 310 (FIG. 3) of the gamingdevice 300.

[0147] The player may be offered a benefit, such as a certain amount ofgaming credit for use at gaming machine 104, in exchange for using thegaming machine 104 for check-in or check-out. Such an offer may lead aplayer to use a gaming machine 104 for check-out instead of usingin-room check-out. Consequently the player may engage in a visit to agaming machine and in gaming activity at the gaming machine which wouldnot otherwise have occurred.

[0148] Alternatively, the casino server 200 may offer the player abenefit for checking out of his or her room early. Another type of offerwould provide a benefit to a player for delaying check-in, or delayingoccupancy of the room.

[0149] As still another sort of offer, the casino server 200 may inquireof a player at a gaming device 300 whether the player is willing torelinquish his or her room entirely for the night. Such an inquiry maybe made to a player who has already stayed up late (say until 3 a.m.)and who may wish to forego sleeping that night.

[0150] As another possible offer, the casino server 200 may inquire ofthe player whether the player is willing to move to another hotel (e.g.,to a hotel under common ownership with the hotel served by the casinoserver 200).

[0151] The player may also be offered a benefit for waiving some or allof the customary cleaning services for the player's room.

[0152] In any or all of the above offers, the benefit to be provided tothe player may include one or more gaming credits, cashless gamingreceipts, cash payments, free goods or services (such as free meals,free room service, free room stays), discounts on room stays or othergoods or services, discounts or free goods or services to be provided atsubsequent visits to the casino hotel, players' club points and soforth. Other benefits that may be provided to players in conjunctionwith offers from the casino server 200 may relate to game play on agaming device 300. Such benefits may include an increased payout forcertain gaming outcomes (e.g., double payout for a royal flush on avideo poker machine), or improved odds of favorable outcomes, or otheradvantages in game play.

[0153] One or more benefits may be provided to the player if the playeranswers a survey by using the gaming device 300 or the wireless terminal400. Survey questions could include the player's planned length of stay,preferred entertainment (e.g., shopping, sports, shows), occupation,planned activities/interests, etc. The results of the survey could beused to select and/or tailor offers to be made to the player.

[0154] The gaming device 300 could be caused to operate such thatcertain game outcomes result in a free stay in a hotel room, a discounton the room rate, or a free room upgrade. For example, room upgrades maybe provided as prizes for certain game outcomes when a relatively largenumber of more desirable rooms are not reserved or occupied on a givennight.

[0155] Selection by the casino server 200 of particular players toreceive offers, or determination of an order in which players are toreceive offers, may be based upon a “rating” of the player which isintended to predict a likelihood that the player would accept the offer.The “rating” of the player may be determined by the casino server basedon information regarding the player that is stored in the casino server,or may be inputted by casino employees based on observations of theplayer by the casino employees. For example, if a casino employeeobserves that a particular player is relatively young and appearsinterested in gambling all night, the casino employee may input a highrating for the player to receive an offer to relinquish his or her roomfor the night. Similarly, if the casino server 200 detects that a playerhas been continuously playing one of the gaming device 300 from 10 p.m.until 2 a.m., the player may be given a high rating by the casino server200 for an offer that the player relinquish his or her room.

[0156] The server 102 may also offer benefits to players contingent onthe player engaging in certain amounts of gaming activity on one or moregaming devices 104. For example, the player may be offered a free stayin a hotel room or a free room upgrade if the player plays for threehours on the gaming device 300, or if the player bets a certain amountover time on the gaming device 300. In connection with such an offer, animage (actual or simulated) of the offered room may be provided. Othertypes of benefits, such as free products or services, may be provided.

[0157] The player may also be permitted to apply gaming credits in thegaming device 300, including credits won, to payment of items on theplayer's hotel account, such as room charges, restaurant meal charges,room service, etc.

[0158] Another type of benefit that may be provided to a player inresponse to gaming activity, using the gaming device 300 for check-in orcheck-out or acceptance of an offer may be entries in sweepstakes forvarious benefits, including free room stays or room upgrades.Sweepstakes entries, and/or awards of prizes, may be awarded for playingat a gaming device 300 for a certain amount of time, or at a certainpoint in time, or for wagering a particular amount. Such incentives maylead players to increase their gaming activity at the gaming device 300.

[0159] The player may be permitted to use the gaming device 300 or thewireless terminal 400 for other purposes relating to his or her room,such as requesting delivery of the player's luggage to his or her roomor removal of luggage from his or her room. The player may also beallowed to indicate via a gaming device 300 that his or her room is notto be entered by cleaning staff at certain times. Alternatively, theplayer might be permitted to register a complaint via input provided bythe player through the gaming device 300.

[0160] Some hotels may require that a guest provide a deposit atcheck-in or during a hotel stay for a room and/or for products orservices associated with the room. In some embodiments, a player may usea gaming device 300 to provide a deposit for a room and/or for the useof hotel amenities (e.g., a telephone, an in-room entertainment system,a room safe, a video cassette recorder, or a game console). A player maybe prompted to insert an amount of funds (e.g., cash, or gaming tokens)at the game device to cover a deposit, or to approve the billing of adeposit amount to a financial account (e.g., credit card account)associated with the player. In some embodiments, the player may bepermitted to satisfy an obligation in lieu of providing a depositamount. For example, in an offer to a player to waive or otherwisesatisfy a deposit, a hotel may require that a player play at a gamingdevice 300 for a predetermined amount of time, or that the player wagera predetermined amount at a gaming device 300. A deposit may be creditedto a player's bill at check-out or at any time. Also, a deposit amountmay be returned/refunded to the player at a gaming device 300 duringcheck-out or at any time.

[0161] A player may also be permitted to use a gaming device 300 to makereservations for future stays at the casino hotel. The player may beaccorded benefits for making such a reservation, such as gaming creditthat may be made available immediately on the gaming device 300, or thatmay be made available upon the future visit to the casino hotel. Theplayer may also be permitted to cancel a reservation at a competingcasino hotel, and may be provided with one or more benefits for sodoing. An offer made to a player to switch from a competing hotel may bebased on the room rate at the competing hotel. For example, one or moreterms of the offer, and/or whether or not the offer is made, may bebased on the room rate. The offer may include assistance in moving fromthe competing hotel, including retrieving the player's luggage from thecompeting hotel, and/or providing transportation for the player'sfamily. The player may also be permitted to request services such asexchange of foreign currency into U.S. dollars via the gaming device300.

[0162] The foregoing description discloses only exemplary embodiments ofthe invention; modifications of the above disclosed apparatus andmethods which fall within the scope of the invention will be readilyapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. While the aboveembodiments have been described with respect to a gaming device, itshould be understood that alternatively a player could manage hoteltransactions from table games such as blackjack, craps or roulette. Insuch cases, a player may interface his or her player tracking card to aplayer tracking card reader at the table game, or the dealer mayinterface the player tracking card to the player tracking card reader. Adisplay device at the table could show the player his or her reservationinformation and allow the player to make changes. Benefits could beprovided by the dealer in the form of gaming tokens.

[0163] All of the gaming devices 104 and the wireless terminal 108 ofthe system may be located in or adjacent to the hotel casino served bythe server 102. Alternatively, one or more of the gaming device 104and/or the wireless terminal 108 may be located remotely from the casinohotel, e.g., at an airport for the city in which the casino hotel islocated. In such a case, a player may be permitted to check in to thehotel by using a gaming device 104 upon arriving at the airport.

[0164] Accordingly, while the present invention has been disclosed inconnection with exemplary embodiments thereof, it should be understoodthat other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined by the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: receiving a playeridentifier at a gaming device; assigning a hotel room to a playeridentified by the player identifier; and using the gaming device tocommunicate to the player information regarding the assigning of thehotel room.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the receiving stepincludes reading the player identifier from a player tracking cardinterfaced to the gaming device.
 3. The method of claim 1, wherein thereceiving step includes reading the player identifier from a credit ordebit card interfaced to the gaming device.
 4. The method of claim 1,wherein the communicated information includes a room number whichcorresponds to the assigned hotel room.
 5. The method of claim 1,further comprising: transmitting the player identifier to an electronicdoor lock mechanism associated with the assigned hotel room.
 6. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: generating a room access code. 7.The method of claim 6, further comprising: transmitting the room accesscode to an electronic door lock mechanism associated with the assignedhotel room.
 8. The method of claim 6, further comprising: magneticallywriting the room access code on a player tracking card interfaced to thegaming device.
 9. The method of claim 1, wherein the gaming device islocated at a hotel that includes the assigned hotel room.
 10. The methodof claim 1, wherein the gaming device is a slot machine.
 11. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: accessing a hotel reservation databaseon the basis of the received player identifier.
 12. The method of claim1, further comprising: associating the received player identifier with aroom identifier that corresponds to the assigned hotel room.
 13. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: using the gaming device topresent hotel room preferences information to the player.
 14. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: using the gaming device to present areservation confirmation page to the player.
 15. The method of claim 1,further comprising: receiving at the gaming device information regardinga hotel stay desired by the player.
 16. The method of claim 15, whereinthe information regarding the hotel stay includes a desired check-outdate.
 17. The method of claim 15, wherein the information regarding thehotel stay includes a desired type of room.
 18. The method of claim 1,further comprising: using the gaming device to communicate to the playeran offer for the player to relinquish the assigned room.
 19. The methodof claim 1, further comprising: using the gaming device to communicateto the player an offer for the player to delay occupying the assignedroom.
 20. The method of claim 1, further comprising: applying to paymentfor the assigned room gaming credits won via the gaming device.
 21. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: awarding free use of the assignedroom based on a game outcome provided by the gaming device.
 22. Themethod of claim 1, further comprising: offering a benefit to the playerin exchange for using the gaming device to check in.
 23. The method ofclaim 1, further comprising: awarding gaming credit at the gaming devicein response to the player using the gaming device to check in to a hotelthat includes the assigned hotel room.
 24. The method of claim 1,further comprising: using the gaming device to inform the playerconcerning a telephone message for the player.
 25. The method of claim1, further comprising: allowing the player to use the gaming device toaccess or send an electronic mail message.
 26. The method of claim 1,further comprising: retrieving a credit card number for the player inresponse to receiving the player identifier.
 27. The method of claim 26,further comprising: charging payment for the assigned hotel room to acredit card account associated with the retrieved credit card number.28. A method comprising: receiving a player identifier at a gamingdevice; and accessing a hotel reservation database on the basis of thereceived player identifier.
 29. The method of claim 28, furthercomprising: using the gaming device to present hotel room preferencesinformation to a player identified by the player identifier.
 30. Themethod of claim 28, further comprising: using the gaming device topresent a reservation confirmation page to a player identified by theplayer identifier.
 31. The method of claim 28, further comprising:assigning a hotel room to a player identified by the player identifier.32. The method of claim 28, wherein the receiving step includes readingthe player identifier from a player tracking card interfaced to thegaming device.
 33. The method of claim 28, wherein the receiving stepincludes reading the player identifier from a credit or debit cardinterfaced to the gaming device.
 34. The method of claim 28, wherein thegaming device is a slot machine.
 35. The method of claim 28, furthercomprising: offering a benefit to the player in exchange for using thegaming device to check in.
 36. A method comprising: receiving a playeridentifier at a gaming device; associating the received playeridentifier with a room identifier; presenting to a player identified bythe player identifier at least one of a reservation confirmation pageand hotel room preferences information; and generating a room accesscode associated with the room identifier.
 37. The method of claim 36,wherein the gaming device is a slot machine.
 38. The method of claim 36,wherein the receiving step includes reading the player identifier from aplayer tracking card interfaced to the gaming device.
 39. The method ofclaim 36, wherein the receiving step includes reading the playeridentifier from a credit or debit card interfaced to the gaming device.40. The method of claim 36, further comprising: magnetically writing theroom access code on a player tracking card interfaced to the gamingdevice.
 41. The method of claim 36, further comprising: transmitting thereceived player identifier to an electronic door lock mechanism.
 42. Themethod of claim 36, further comprising: transmitting the room accesscode to an electronic door lock mechanism.
 43. The method of claim 36,wherein the gaming device is located at a hotel that includes a roomassociated with the room identifier.
 44. The method of claim 36, whereinthe at least one of a reservation confirmation page and the hotel roompreferences information is presented to the player via the gamingdevice.
 45. The method of claim 36, further comprising: retrieving acredit card number for the player in response to receiving the playeridentifier.
 46. The method of claim 36, further comprising: offering abenefit to the player in exchange for using the gaming device to checkin.
 47. A method comprising: receiving a player identifier at a gamingdevice; and receiving at the gaming device an indication that a playeridentified by the player identifier wishes to check out of a hotel room.48. The method of claim 47, further comprising: accessing a hotelreservation database on the basis of the received player identifier. 49.The method of claim 47, further comprising: accessing a hotel roomdatabase on the basis of the received player identifier.
 50. The methodof claim 47, wherein the receiving step includes reading the playeridentifier from a player tracking card interfaced to the gaming device.51. The method of claim 47, wherein the gaming device is a slot machine.52. The method of claim 47, further comprising: presenting to the playera billing statement in response to the received indication.
 53. Themethod of claim 52, further comprising: receiving from the player anindication that the player approves the billing statement.
 54. Themethod of claim 53, wherein the indication that the player approves thebilling statement is received via the gaming device.
 55. The method ofclaim 52, wherein the billing statement is presented to the player viathe gaming device.
 56. The method of claim 55, further comprising:printing the billing statement at the gaming device.
 57. The method ofclaim 47, further comprising: offering a benefit to the player inexchange for using the gaming device to check out.
 58. A methodcomprising: receiving at a gaming device an identifier that identifies acustomer; receiving via the gaming device a request by the customer fora hotel room; associating a hotel room with the customer; andtransmitting to the customer an identifier that identifies the hotelroom.
 59. A method comprising: receiving at a gaming device anidentifier that identifies a customer; receiving at the gaming device arequest by the customer to check in; and transmitting a signal to acasino representative, the signal indicating an instruction to assistthe customer at the gaming device with check-in.
 60. A methodcomprising: receiving an identifier that identifies a player at a gamingdevice; receiving a wager from the player at the gaming device;assigning a hotel room to the player; and transmitting to the player atthe gaming device data that indicates the assignment of the hotel room.61. An apparatus for handling a hotel transaction, comprising: aprocessor; and a storage device coupled to the processor, the storagedevice storing a program for controlling the processor and the processoroperative with the program to: receive a player identifier via a gamingdevice; assign a hotel room to a player identified by the playeridentifier; and use the gaming device to communicate to the playerinformation regarding assignment of the hotel room.
 62. An apparatus forhandling a hotel transaction, comprising: a processor; and a storagedevice coupled to the processor, the storage device storing a programfor controlling the processor and the processor operative with theprogram to: receive a player identifier via a gaming device; and accessa hotel reservation database on the basis of the received playeridentifier.
 63. An apparatus for handling a hotel transaction,comprising: a processor; and a storage device coupled to the processor,the storage device storing a program for controlling the processor andthe processor operative with the program to: receive a player identifiervia a gaming device; associate the received player identifier with aroom identifier; present to a player identified by the player identifierat least one of a reservation confirmation page and hotel roompreferences information; and generate a room access code associated withthe room identifier.
 64. An apparatus for handling a hotel transaction,comprising: a processor; and a storage device coupled to the processor,the storage device storing a program for controlling the processor andthe processor operative with the program to: receive a player identifiervia a gaming device; receive via the gaming device an indication that aplayer identified by the player identifier wishes to check out of ahotel room.
 65. A computer program product comprising: a medium readableby a computer, the computer readable medium having: program code adaptedto receive a player identifier via a gaming device; program code adaptedto assign a hotel room to a player identified by the player identifier;and program code adapted to use the gaming device to communicate to theplayer information regarding the assigning of the hotel room.
 66. Acomputer program product comprising: a medium readable by a computer,the computer readable medium having: program code adapted to receive aplayer identifier via a gaming device; and program code adapted toaccess a hotel reservation database on the basis of the received playeridentifier.
 67. A computer program product comprising: a medium readableby a computer, the computer readable medium having: program code adaptedto receive a player identifier via a gaming device; program code adaptedto associate the received player identifier with a room identifier;program code adapted to present to a player identified by the playeridentifier at least one of a reservation confirmation page and hotelroom preferences information; and program code adapted to generate aroom access code associated with the room identifier.
 68. A computerprogram product comprising: a medium readable by a computer, thecomputer readable medium having: program code adapted to receive aplayer identifier via a gaming device; and program code adapted toreceive via the gaming device an indication that a player identified bythe player identifier wishes to check out of a hotel room.